Holiday Hiring Made Easy: Essential RSA and Food Safety Tips for Your Christmas Team

1. Ensure Proper RSA and Food Safety Training

If your business serves alcohol or handles food, your staff must meet strict training standards, especially during the busy Christmas period. Hiring new or casual staff means introducing them to your business’s protocols to protect your customers and reputation.

• Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Training: All staff involved in the sale or service of alcohol must complete RSA training. This ensures they understand legal requirements and can serve alcohol responsibly. Learn more about RSA training with CFT International.

• Food Safety Training: All food handlers should complete a nationally accredited food safety training course. This training ensures they understand hygiene practices, storage requirements, and how to prevent cross-contamination. Explore Food Safety training options with CFT International.

• Food Safety Supervisor (FSS): If your business doesn’t already have one, appoint a certified Food Safety Supervisor. They’ll oversee food safety practices and ensure compliance with legal requirements. Find out about Food Safety Supervisor courses at CFT International.

At CFT International, we offer flexible, online RSA and Food Safety courses to help your team get compliant quickly and easily.

2. Communicate Clear Expectations

The holiday rush can be chaotic, and new or casual staff may not always have the same experience as your regular team. Setting clear expectations from day one ensures everyone is on the same page.

• Job Roles: Clearly outline duties and responsibilities to avoid confusion, especially in busy environments like kitchens or bars.

• Workplace Policies: Familiarise staff with policies on hygiene, punctuality, dress codes, and workplace safety.

• Customer Service Standards: During the holidays, customer interactions are at an all-time high. Train staff on how to handle complaints, provide exceptional service, and maintain professionalism under pressure.

3. Prioritise Workplace Safety

New or casual staff may not be fully familiar with your workplace layout or safety protocols. Take the time to provide thorough inductions to minimise risks.

• Emergency Procedures: Ensure all staff know what to do in case of fire, injury, or other emergencies.

• Manual Handling: Train staff on safe lifting techniques to prevent injuries, especially in roles involving stocking or food preparation.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide appropriate PPE, such as gloves, aprons, or non-slip shoes, where necessary.

4. Onboard Efficiently

Onboarding seasonal staff quickly and effectively is essential during this busy time. Create an onboarding checklist to cover:

• Employment paperwork, including tax file numbers and superannuation forms.

• Rostering and scheduling tools to manage availability and shift changes.

• An overview of business operations, including peak trading times and team workflows.

Streamlining the onboarding process helps your new hires feel confident and reduces the likelihood of errors.

5. Monitor and Support New Staff

Even with training and clear instructions, new or casual staff will need guidance as they settle into their roles. Assign mentors or supervisors to check in regularly, answer questions, and provide feedback.

The Christmas period is intense, and the fast pace can feel overwhelming for new team members. A supportive environment ensures they stay motivated and perform at their best.

6. Comply with Legal Requirements

Seasonal hiring comes with its own set of legal obligations. Ensure you’re meeting workplace laws, including:

• Fair Work Compliance: Pay new staff according to the correct award rate or agreement for their role.

• Workplace Rights: Provide clear information on rights to breaks, overtime, and leave entitlements.

• Tax and Superannuation: Set up accurate payroll systems to manage tax and superannuation contributions.

Meeting these requirements protects both your business and your staff.

7. Plan for the Post-Holiday Period

Once the Christmas rush is over, consider how you’ll manage seasonal staff. Will you keep high-performing casuals for ongoing shifts, or will their contracts end after the holiday period? Communicating this upfront helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures a smooth transition.